Number of solicitors joining judiciary remains static.

The percentage of solicitors successfully applying to the judiciary has remained static over the last year.

The judicial appointments annual report showed that 2,376 people applied for posts in 1999/2000, including 1,108 solicitors (46.6%).

Of these, 453 were appointed, including 211 solicitors (46.6%).

Last year, 46.4% of solicitor applicants were appointed.

Both solicitors and barristers had around a one in five chance of winning a place on the bench.

The Lord Chancellor, Lord Irvine, renewed his attack on the Law Society's withdrawal from the so-called secret soundings system, saying he was determined 'to make well-merited appointments of solicitors to judicial office' without Law Society help.

Law Society President Michael Napier replied: 'It is disappointing that the Lord Chancellor thinks the Law Society has put obstacles in the way of its members when in fact all we are calling for is a level playing field.

Solicitors, women and ethnic minorities still remain largely excluded from the ranks of the higher judiciary.'Neil Rose.